Practical information about Qatar

Accidents and medical emergenciesSole number for fire, police and ambulance: Dial 999.

BehaviourHere is some advice when living in Qatar:Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.Use a high-factor sunblock on you exposed skin and wear a hat/cap.Take along a light jacket with you since air-conditioning is used everywhere.Bargain with shopkeepers in the souqs.Be careful with alcohol. Drunkenness & drunk-driving are strictly prohibited (as well as drug consumption).

Business hoursThe work week is from Sunday to Thursday (Fridays and Saturdays are days off).Government offices are open from 7.00am to 2.00pm.Shop opening hours are 8.30am – 12.30pm and 4.00pm – 9.00pm.

Currency1QR = 0.23€ (January 2018)1QR = USD 0.27 (January 2018)

Driving in QatarUpon arrival in Qatar, visitors can drive for one week with their valid national driving license.After approval by the Traffic Department within 7 days of their arrival in the country, drivers can use an international driving license for up to six months. After this 7-day period, they must apply for either a temporary (for rental cars only) or permanent Qatari license.

ElectricityElectrical current is 240/220 volts AC; 50Hz. Do not forget to bring some adaptors.

Flight & AccommodationTravelers land at the Hamad International Airport. More information about preferential rates on hotels and flights will be available online in June.

HealthNo compulsory vaccine for visiting Qatar, but hepatitis A and B are recommended, and be sure about diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis vaccines. To avoid the risk of dehydration, it is necessary to drink enough water every day (Tap water is generally safe to drink).

LanguageArabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.Doha means « the big tree » in Arabic.

Taxis"Karwa" Taxis are operated by Mowasalat and are well-known for their turquoise green color. They are all modern, air-conditioned and their drivers wear a uniform. Expect delays during rush hour.For booking a taxi, please dial (+974) 4458 8888 (7 days a week – 24h/24 – Booking fee: 4QR).More information: « Travel to Milipol Qatar ».

TimeLocal time is GMT +3 hours. Qatar does not use daylight saving time.

TourismBetween tradition and modernity, Qatar is a pleasant tourist destination with plenty of sites to visit and a lot of cultural and natural treasures to discover. More information: « Tourism ».

Visa requestResidents of 33 approved countries (including the UK & Ireland, most of continental Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand) and other GCC countries can obtain their tourist visa (valid one month), which is issued upon arrival in Qatar. Travelers from other countries must apply for a visa at a Qatar embassy before they arrive in the country.